T his story has it all: the deadliest mass shooting in the history of the United States; hatred against the sexual preferences of people who are not heterosexual; links to a reviled terror organization; possible racial hatred against Latinos; a dead suspect whose name sounds Muslim; and an impact on politics in the United States — all fewer than 24 hours after the incident occurred.
Yes, as the entire planet mourns the deaths of at least 50 people who were murdered in cold blood in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando — a popular place where gay people congregated to celebrate and have fun — the media is already having a veritable field day with this senseless tragedy.
In addition to those who were killed, a minimum of 53 people were injured last night — which was Latin night at the Pulse nightclub — by a coward named Omar Mateen, who was trying to prove some unknown point and reportedly was interviewed three times by the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the United States for having alleged terrorist ties, according to this article compiled and written by Christal Hayes, Gal Tziperman Lotan, Elyssa Cherney, Naseem S. Miller, Steven Lemongello and Bethany Rodgers of the Orlando Sentinel.
Was this an act of terror? Was this a hate crime? Was it both? Neither?
Does it really matter?
Is the United States Safe to Visit After Its Worst Mass Murder in Its History?
Sure, the headline of this article reads like classic “click bait”, doesn’t it? But think about it: there was talk about whether traveling to places such as France or Belgium or Egypt was safe after massacres and bombings occurred and killed hundreds of people collectively in those places in recent months…
…and now, the United States is once again added to that list.
The answer to my question is yes: the United States, France, Belgium and even Egypt — which had been substantially suffering economically from a lack of tourism since its revolution back in 2011 and to which I gave six reasons why you should visit that country — are safe to visit. The chances of you being killed visiting one of those countries is remote at best — insignificantly more at best than visiting many other countries around the world…
…but tourism numbers are significantly lower overall in Europe anyway as a result of the terror attacks which occurred there, according to this article written by Jason Chow of MarketWatch. Despite the incidents occurring in Paris and Brussels, other parts of Europe have felt an economic impact — all because people are afraid to travel there.
A travel alert issued by the Department of State of the United States — issued only two weeks ago — warning American citizens pertaining to the potential danger of traveling to Europe — certainly is not helping matters any…
…so should a similar travel warning be issued by governments in Europe of the potential danger of traveling to the United States after what happened in Orlando? Should we all just stop traveling altogether and cower in a dark corner somewhere, hoping that the danger will just magically and miraculously go away?
Of course not.
Summary
In my opinion, there is a very fine line between crime and terror — almost to the point of being indiscernible. Both serve to either murder or frighten the populace affected by those acts of violence. Often, the perpetrators succeed in their goals.
That people have a certain sexual preference, believe in a certain religion, are of a certain race, have a certain political opinion or are of a certain gender should not matter. Everyone has a right to be heard — as long as that right is expressed in ways which are considered acceptable by society in general.
We must fight back and show these thugs that they do not scare us. We must continue to travel and do what we want to do. We must be vigilant and vocal, vehement in our resolve to become united and send a message that we will not be intimidated by crime or acts of terrorism.
In the meantime, a statement written by Barbara Poma — who is the owner of the Pulse Orlando nightclub — wrote and posted the following message at its official Internet web site: “Like everyone in the country, I am devastated about the horrific events that have taken place today. Pulse, and the men and women who work there, have been my family for nearly 15 years. From the beginning, Pulse has served as a place of love and acceptance for the LGBTQ community. I want to express my profound sadness and condolences to all who have lost loved ones. Please know that my grief and heart are with you.”
My thoughts and prayers are also with the family and friends of the victims of this horrible tragedy — as well as the survivors themselves…
…and if you want to assist the survivors, consider donating blood, as there is an urgent need for it, according to this article written by Julie Shapiro for Time. You can also donate money; attend a vigil; or provide counseling in order to help.
Source: Pulse Orlando nightclub.
